The Indesit refrigerator does not turn on - all the reasons and solutions

You opened the refrigerator door Indesit, but there is heat inside, no light is it on and the engine is not humming? Or did the unit suddenly stop responding to buttons and the indicators went off? Do not rush to call a specialist: in 60% of cases the problem is solved without disassembling the equipment. In this article we will analyze all possible reasonswhy the refrigerator Indesit may not turn on - from a banal power outage to serious compressor breakdowns.

We have collected step-by-step instructions to diagnose each malfunction, including testing sockets, thermostat, start relay and electronics. Let us separately focus on typical user mistakesthat lead to equipment failure (for example, improper defrosting or network overload). If you are not confident in your abilities, at the end of the article there is a checklist that will help you make a decision: repair it yourself or call a specialist.

Important: some models Indesit (for example, series C 132 G, TN 116 or B 18) have unique “weak points”. We will indicate them in the appropriate sections.

1. Checking the power: why the refrigerator does not respond to the socket

The first thing you need to exclude is no electricity. Even if there is light in the house, the socket or plug may have failed. Start with the basic steps:

• 🔌 Check the socket: connect another device to it (for example, a phone charger or a desk lamp). If it does not work, the problem is in the socket or circuit breaker.
• 🔋 Inspect the plug and cord: on Indesit the insulation at the base of the plug is often frayed. Look for darkening, melting or a burning smell.
• ⚡ Did the machine work? The plugs in the panel could have been “knocked out” due to a network overload (especially if the refrigerator is connected via an extension cord).

If with everything is fine with the socket, but the refrigerator still does not turn on, proceed to check supply filter (it is built into the plug in most models Indesit). To do this:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Disassemble the plug (if it is collapsible) and inspect the contacts for oxidation.
3. Ring the filter with a multimeter in resistance testing mode. The readings should be within 0.5–1 Ohm.

⚠️ Attention: If you hear a crackling sound or see sparks when you plug in the refrigerator - turn it off immediately! This is a sign of a short circuit in the power circuit. Further diagnostics require special equipment.

2. Thermostat failure: why the refrigerator does not start

The thermostat (or thermostat) is the “brain” of the refrigerator that controls the temperature. If it is broken, the compressor will not receive a command to start. Signs of a malfunction:

• 🔴 The light inside is on, but the motor does not turn on.
• 🌡️ The refrigerator does not cool, although there is light.
• 🔄 The relay clicks, but the compressor does not start.

To check the thermostat:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the plastic cover inside the chamber (usually it is secured with latches).
3. Find the thermostat - this is a small box with tube going to the evaporator.
4. Remove the terminals from the thermostat contacts and connect them together (for example, with a screwdriver). If the compressor works, the thermostat is faulty.

In models Indesit with electronic control (for example, BIAA 13 or DF 4180) instead of a mechanical thermostat, temperature sensoris used. Checking it requires a multimeter:

3. The starting relay is faulty: it clicks, but does not start

If the refrigerator Indesit buzzes, but does not startor repeated clicks are heard, the start protection relay is to blame. It is responsible for starting the compressor and protecting it from overheating. In 80% of cases, the relay fails due to:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 🔥 Overheating of the compressor (for example, if the refrigerator was in a hot room).
• 🕰️ Natural wear and tear (relay service life is 5–7 years).

How to check the relay:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network.
2. Remove the protective casing from the compressor (it is attached with bolts or latches).
3. Disconnect the relay from the compressor (it is attached to the legs of the compressor and has 2-3 contacts).
4. Test the contacts with a multimeter:
   • Between C (common) and NO (normally open) — there must be resistance 10–30 Ohm.
   • Between C i NC (normally closed) - open (resistance tends to infinity).

If the relay is faulty, you can replace it yourself. For models Indesit relay types are suitable DANFOSS 103N0012, RANCO K59 or Lg 3205J (check the exact model by the marking on the body of the old relay).

How to distinguish a relay malfunction from a compressor breakdown?

If When the refrigerator starts, the relay clicks, but the compressor does not hum - the problem is in the relay. If the compressor hums but does not start (or the protection is triggered after 5-10 seconds), the compressor itself or the starting winding is to blame.

4. Compressor failure: when the refrigerator does not freeze and does not turn on

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator. If it is broken, the unit will not cool, and in some cases, it will not even turn on. Signs of a malfunction:

• 🔇 The refrigerator does not hum at all (there is not even an attempt to start).
• 🔥 The compressor housing gets very hot (more than +70°C).
• 💥 Protection is triggered a few seconds after startup.

To diagnose the compressor:

1. Turn off the refrigerator and wait until the compressor cools down (1-2 hours).
2. Remove the start relay (as described in the previous section).
3. Ring the compressor windings with a multimeter:

   Contact	Resistance (Ohm)	What does it mean
   C (common) → S (starting)	20–40	Starting is OK winding
   C (common) → R (working)	10–20	Working winding is OK
   S → R	Sum of the previous two	Open circuit or short circuit between the windings

If the resistance between any contacts is equal 0 Ohm (short circuit) or tends to infinity (break) - the compressor is faulty. In this case repair is impossible: the unit will need to be replaced, which is often comparable in cost to buying a new refrigerator.

5. Problems with the electronic control unit

Modern models Indesit (for example, BIAA 13, DF 4180 or ITF 118) are equipped with electronic control boards. If the refrigerator does not respond to buttons, the display does not turn on or all the indicators are blinking, the electronics are to blame. Reasons:

• ⚡ Power surge (a common problem in rural areas).
• 💧 Moisture getting on the board (for example, during defrosting).
• 🕷️ Short short circuit due to dust or insects.

Independent diagnostics of the electronic unit:

1. Disconnect the refrigerator from the network for 10-15 minutes (sometimes a “reboot” helps).
2. Remove the top cover (it is secured with screws or latches).
3. Inspect the board for:
   • Darkened or swollen elements (capacitors, resistors).
   • Traces of oxidation or rust.
   • Burnt tracks.

Check fuse on the board (usually a glass tube with metal caps). If it burns out, replace it with a similar one.

If you do not understand electronics, Do not try to solder the board yourself! Errors during repairs can lead to complete failure of the refrigerator. In service centers, restoring the board costs up to 3 000–8 000 ₽ (depending on the model).

Disconnect from the network for 15 minutes

Check the fuse on the board

Inspect the board for damage

If you don’t have the skills, call a technician-->

6. Other possible causes: from doors to fans

If all previous checks have failed, pay attention to less obvious problems:

• 🚪 The door is not tightly closed: if the seal is worn out or the dishes are in the way, the refrigerator may not start due to the protection being activated. Check if the light inside is on when the door is closed.
• ❄️ Frozen fan: in models with No Frost (for example Indesit ITF 118), the fan may be blocked by ice. Defrost the refrigerator for 10–12 hours.
• 🔌 Malfunction of the defrost sensor: If it fails, the refrigerator “thinks” that it has not yet defrosted and does not turn on. Checked with a multimeter (the resistance should change as the temperature changes).

It is also worth checking surge filter (if it is built into the refrigerator). In models Indesit it often fails after a thunderstorm or power surge. The filter is located next to the compressor and looks like a small box with two wires.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit stops turning on after moving or transporting, wait 4–6 hours before the first start! This time is needed for the oil in the compressor to flow down. Otherwise, water hammer and breakdown are possible.

7. When to call a technician: 5 signs of a serious breakdown

Not all malfunctions can be fixed on your own. Contact a service centerif:

1. The compressor hums, but does not start, and the relay is working properly (possibly an interturn short circuit or wear of the piston group).
2. Burnt elements or tracks are visible on the control board.
3. The refrigerator turns on, but after 1-2 seconds the machine in the panel knocks out.
4. The smell of burning or plastic appears in the refrigeration chamber.
5. After replacing the thermostat or relay, the problem remained.

The cost of repair depends on the fault:

If the refrigerator is more than 10 years old, think about buying a new one. Repairs can cost up to 50–70% the cost of new equipment.

Checklist: what to do if the Indesit refrigerator does not turn on

Follow this algorithm to quickly find the reason:

Check the socket and plug

Make sure that the machine in the panel is not knocked out

Ring the power cord for a break

Close the contacts of the thermostat (if there is light, but the motor does not work)

Check the starting relay (does it click when turning on)

Inspect the compressor for overheating or mechanical damage

Check the control board (if the refrigerator has an electronic display)

If all else fails, call a technician-->

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refrigerator malfunctions Indesit

The Indesit refrigerator clicks, but does not turn on - what should I do?

Clicks indicate the start relay is activated. Reasons:

• The relay itself is faulty (needs replacement).
• The compressor is jammed (try turning it on manually by turning off the power).
• Low voltage in the network (less than 190 V).

Start with replacing the relay is the most common reason.

After defrosting, the Indesit refrigerator does not turn on. Why?

Probable reasons:

• Moisture has got on the electronic board (need to dry for 12-24 hours).
• The fan in the No Frost system has frozen (defrost again).
• The defrost sensor has burned out (being checked multimeter).

The Indesit refrigerator does not cool, but the light inside is on. What's broken?

Most likely, the problem is:

• Thermostat (close the contacts to check).
• Compressor (ring the windings).
• Freon leak (need refueling).

Is it possible to repair the Indesit refrigerator yourself if it does not turn on?

Yes, if the problem is in:

• Socket, plug or cord.
• Thermoregulator (replacement will take 10 minutes).
• Start relay (you need a screwdriver and a new relay).

If the electronics or compressor are faulty, it is better to call a technician.

How much does it cost to repair an Indesit refrigerator if it does not turn on?

Prices depend on breakdowns:

• Replacement of the thermostat: 1 500–3 000 ₽.
• Board repair: 3 000–8 000 ₽.
• Replacement of the compressor: 6 000–12 000 ₽.

For an accurate diagnosis, you need to be examined by a technician.